Maca root (Lepidium meyenii) is a cruciferous plant native to the high Andes of Peru, where it has been cultivated for centuries as both a food staple and traditional remedy. Research suggests that maca may help support energy levels, exercise performance, and mood, with some studies pointing to benefits for libido and sexual function in both men and women. Preliminary evidence also indicates potential roles in supporting fertility parameters and easing certain menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood fluctuations. Maca is commonly available in yellow, red, and black varieties, each associated with slightly different areas of emphasis in the research, and gelatinized forms are often preferred for easier digestibility. While findings are promising, many studies remain small in scale, and further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and long-term effects.
Compare this supplementResearch suggests that maca root has a long traditional association with fertility and reproductive health, but the c...
View studies →Research suggests that maca root may offer some benefits relevant to menopause, including preliminary animal evidence...
View studies →Research suggests that maca root has limited and inconclusive direct evidence supporting its use for mood, with the a...
View studies →Research suggests that maca root has not yet demonstrated sufficient evidence to be considered a promising ingredient...
View studies →The two studies provided do not contain any research related to maca root or exercise performance. One study examines...
View studies →Research suggests that maca root may offer some benefit for libido and sexual function, with the available evidence p...
View studies →These are commonly referenced dosage ranges for this supplement. They are not medical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare provider before supplementing.
| Form | Dose range | Frequency | Studied for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capsule | 2,000 mg | Daily | Libido and sexual function in postmenopausal women | Used in RCT by Dording et al. (2008) for SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction |
| Capsule | 1,500–3,000 mg | Daily | Menopause support, mood support | Used in RCTs including Brooks et al. (2008) for menopausal symptom relief and psychological outcomes |
| Extract | 1,500–3,000 mg | Daily | Energy and fatigue, exercise performance | Based on clinical trials including Stone et al. (2009) assessing cycling performance and energy |
| Powder | 1.5–3 g | Daily | Libido and sexual function, fertility support | Common in clinical trials; used in RCTs by Gonzales et al. examining sexual desire and sperm parameters |